FAITH IN ACTION – activities and opportunities

Activities

This is where we connect the dots to make a compassionate and redemptive difference in the world. There are many ways to be an active participant in bringing healing, kindness, compassion, and restoration, and even hope to our world. Locally, we are principally focused on the homeless and disadvantaged. The monthly meal preparation at the UMOM Watkins Basic Needs Shelter is a long-standing commitment. Another thread is a schedule of special community involvement projects that varies month to month, often school or shelter related.

In addition, some of our folks express their concerns through participation in community marches and demonstrations for equity and justice, such as the Martin Luther King Day march, and the Women's March. ​

The monthly Faith in Action project for November is collecting donations for backpacks for men and women released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the bus depot for travel, but with no food or other provisions. This is a collaboration with Shadow Rock UCC, who also provides some overnight lodging for those whose bus leaves the next morning.

The August Faith in Action project was participation in the 9/11 Valley-wide Multi-Faith Food Drive. This food drive was created out of the Islamic community as a positive multi-faith response to the 9/11 disaster. Thanks to all who participated!!

Yep, that's some of our folks among the protesters at the Phoenix Civic Center.[They prudently left the area before the less peaceful events unfolded.]

Not seen in the news – interfaith Unity Prayer Vigil, clergy march and "safe zone" presences during the rally.

​This was the Faith in Action project for July! Shoes and socks are on their way to children at Loma Linda School in Phoenix. Other groups provide uniforms for the students, but shoes and socks are not included.

​Two of our folks stand with our Shadow Rock UCC friends and other supporters, advocating for immigration justice in Shadow Rock's monthly "ICE Breaker" awareness event at the gates of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The heartbreaking rending of families in recent days has accentuated the need for more consistent and humane enforcement practices.

​Continuing our monthly tradition of providing and serving an evening meal at the UMOM Watkins Basic Needs Shelter, an emergency shelter for single homeless women.

​During the month of April, Via de Cristo congregation and friends raised enough funds to completely furnish a room in the Diane and Bruce Halle/UMOM Women’s Center for homeless women. The room will house three women.

This is one of the two posters to be hung in rooms to welcome women to their new rooms.

Thank you to the Faith in Action team, and to all who donated!

​​During the month of June, we participated in donating magazines, playing cards, puzzles and bibles (Spanish and French) t0 the Immigration Detention Center at Eloy where undocumented persons are incarcerated.

​Via de Cristo received a big thank you from Selena Keesecker for the donations. The few items that were considered "contraband" by the warden will be given to children on the Navajo Reservation. This photo shows less than 10% of what was collected.

Thank you to those of you who participated!

This is a lovely "Thank You" poster sent to Via de Cristo from Loma Linda Elementary School in appreciation for "emergency" children's underwear donated in the Faith Action Committee's "Undies 500" project in May.

Some of our folks volunteer as tutors in Title 1 elementary schools, connecting us with opportunities to respond to some of their not-so-obvious practical needs.

​​Thanks again to all who joined in!

PORTALS FOR PARTICIPATION (Large and Small)

​There are a great many other opportunities for individual and group involvement in activities that make a difference in people's lives. Below are some other opportunities for active participation that we have contributed to, been involved with, or otherwise supported.